The common causes of bicycle accidents in Chicago could result in serious injuries to cyclists. The Windy City has a fast-growing population of bikers who use this form of transportation for commuting and recreational purposes. Unfortunately, bicyclists face increased dangers on the roads because bikes offer little protection. Plus, many drivers do not pay attention to bike riders.
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a devastating event. If you are seriously hurt in a bike crash, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Chicago can help you consider your legal options. In this guide, we will discuss the causes of bicycle accidents and what you should do in the aftermath.
Factors That Lead to Bicycle Crashes and Injuries
Bike accidents can range in severity. Some may result in minor cuts and bruises, while others can lead to life-threatening injuries.
Bike crash statistics reveal that roughly 1,700 bike accidents occur each year in Chicago, so it is a very prevalent issue. Insufficient infrastructure, inattentive drivers, ignorance of the rules of the road, and a lack of safety precautions can all contribute to serious or fatal bicycle accidents.
Understanding the factors that contribute to these collisions can help you stay safe while riding and avoid a dangerous crash. In some cases, someone else’s negligence may cause the crash, in which case you may be eligible for compensation via a legal claim.
The Most Common Cause of Bicycle Accidents
Crashes occur for various reasons in the Windy City. If you do not use extra caution as a cyclist, you could face severe consequences. Let’s look at the most common causes of bicycle accidents so you can be on the lookout for dangerous situations.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are a leading cause of bike accidents. Whether looking at their phones, eating food, drinking, or performing personal hygiene tasks, drivers may pay less attention to their surroundings than they should. In these situations, motor vehicles often collide with cyclists when making turns or at intersections.
Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way to Cyclists
In Illinois, motor vehicle drivers and bikers must follow similar road rules as per municipal code 9-52-010. This includes yielding the right of way to bikers when appropriate. For example, many fatal bike crashes are caused by drivers who turn left or right into the path of a biker they failed to look for. This is known as a left- or right-hook accident.
Sometimes, drivers fail to yield to cyclists when entering or exiting driveways and alleys. Although there are many bike lanes throughout Chicago, many car drivers fail to observe them and make way for bicycle riders.
“Dooring” Accidents
Dooring is a type of accident in which a vehicle occupant opens a car door into the path of a cyclist. The suddenness of this collision can cause road rash, broken bones, and other types of severe trauma. In most cases, the driver is at fault for causing a dooring accident.
Vehicle occupants are encouraged to use the “Dutch Reach” method to open their doors. This requires using the opposite hand to open car doors from inside a vehicle, which forces you to turn your body more and gives you an opportunity to check for an oncoming cyclist.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Another common cause of bike accidents is reckless driving. Whether a driver is violating the local speed limit or behaving aggressively on the road, their actions can put cyclists in danger of severe injuries.
A collision at such speeds could even cause traumatic brain injuries or internal injuries. Driving recklessly reduces the operator’s ability to react to cyclists, increasing the severity of a potential accident.
Impaired Driving
Some road users operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving can slow their reflexes or result in a failure to follow traffic laws. Therefore, bicyclists are placed in harm’s way because an impaired driver is less likely to notice and avoid them.
Unsafe Passing and Following Too Closely
Many bicycle accidents happen because motorists do not follow precautions when passing or following bikers. Drivers are required to maintain a safe distance from cyclists in both scenarios. In many jurisdictions in Chicago, there is a three-foot rule.
This states that drivers must allow three feet of space between their vehicles and bikers when passing them on the road. Also, drivers should avoid tailgating to prevent traffic crashes if the bicyclist must slow down quickly.
Failure to See the Cyclist
One of the best strategies to avoid bicycle accidents as a rider is to be as visible as possible. This includes wearing bright clothing and using reflectors and lights at night, as per municipal code 9-52-080. An accident could occur simply because the motor vehicle operator did not see the much smaller bike nearby.
Although drivers should learn to check blindspots thoroughly and be on the lookout for bikers in Chicago, cyclists can protect themselves by focusing on being visible.
Road Hazards and Environmental Factors
Even if you follow safety precautions and obey traffic laws, other factors could cause an accident. Road hazards can cause severe injuries for cyclists if they run into potholes, uneven surfaces, or road debris unexpectedly.
Other environmental factors could include poor lighting, construction zones, poor weather conditions, and poorly designed infrastructure. Poorly maintained roads that cause bikers to lose control and get hurt could make the city liable for lost wages or medical expenses.
Bicycle Defects and Equipment Failure
Bicyclists who are injured can sometimes hold equipment manufacturers responsible for damages if faulty parts cause their crashes.
Some bicycle defects that could cause such accidents include defective brakes, tire blowouts, frame or fork failures, chain issues, or improperly designed helmets. If protective gear does not function as it should, an equipment manufacturer could be liable for injuries.
Bicycle Accidents Happen Because of Cyclist Errors as Well
Although many vehicle collisions involving bikers are the fault of the driver, cyclists can make mistakes, too. For example, a biker may fail to follow the rules of the road and yield to a car in an intersection, instead deciding to move forward when it is not their turn.
Failing to use reflective gear or lights at night could lead to an accident that is mostly their fault. Drivers are still responsible for being cautious around bikers, but some cyclists do not follow their own road obligations.
Safety Tips for Cyclists and Motorists
Taking safety precautions is the key to avoiding bike accidents. First, you should learn the rules of the road, whether you are a cyclist or a driver. For bikers, wear proper gear, maintain your bike, use the bike lane when possible, and use correct signaling methods to announce your intentions, per code 9-52-045.
As a driver, pay special attention to your mirrors and check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Unsafe lane changes are another common cause of bicycle injuries.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you must follow the correct steps to prioritize your health and legal rights. Getting hurt in the accident could mean you are eligible for legal compensation. Here are the steps you should follow immediately after a bike collision.
- Get to safety and call 911
- Receive medical treatment for any injuries
- Report the accident to the authorities so a police report is drafted
- Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness contact information
- Preserve physical evidence, such as your bike, helmet, and clothing
- Do not admit fault to anyone at the scene or afterward
- Consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney to discuss the legal process
How a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Whether your accident was caused by drunk driving, a failure to obey stop signs, or parked cars opening doors into your path, you could seek compensation for legal damages. Your best chance of earning a settlement is by hiring a qualified attorney to guide you through the claims process.
The right lawyer will investigate your claim, gather compelling evidence, build a strong case, assess all damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and even represent you in court if necessary. Most bike accidents involving motor vehicles result in serious injuries, so you will need a personal injury lawyer to help maximize your compensation and cover those losses.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
When you need assistance with your bicycle accident case, our law firm is ready to step in. Our team has vast experience supporting injured cyclists in Chicago, and we want to help you obtain maximum compensation to cover lost income, medical costs, property damage, emotional distress, and other damages. Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Illinois today for a free consultation about your personal injury claim.
